Paris was rocked by a daring robbery at the world-famous Louvre Museum, where thieves stole eight priceless pieces of historic jewelry in a meticulously planned daylight raid. Among the stolen items is a necklace given by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife Marie Louise, as well as jewelry connected to other members of the French royal family. The bold heist has sent shockwaves through France and the world, highlighting vulnerabilities even in one of the most secure museums on the planet.
Daylight Robbery at the Iconic Apollon Gallery
The theft took place on Sunday morning at around 9:30 AM in the Apollon Gallery, one of the Louvre’s most ornate rooms. This gallery displays the French crown jewels, including crowns, diadems, and historic necklaces that have been part of France’s heritage for centuries.
Thieves disguised themselves as construction workers, wearing yellow high-visibility jackets, and used a truck and a basket lift to access the Louvre Museum. They broke windows using power tools and an angle grinder, then swiftly made off with the treasures. Authorities said the operation took only seven minutes, demonstrating careful planning and expertise.
Global Digital Asset Fraud Ring Exposed After Massive $36.9 Million Theft
When the thieves opened the display cases, alarms were triggered, and security guards intervened immediately, calling the police. Despite this, the robbers escaped, leaving much of their equipment behind. At least one stolen piece was later recovered outside the museum where the thieves had fled.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the theft as involving jewels of unmeasurable heritage value, while Culture Minister Rachida Dati called it a shocking incident that targeted French history.
Priceless Jewelry Stolen
The stolen items include an emerald and diamond necklace given by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife Marie Louise. Other pieces include a sapphire necklace and matching earrings once worn by Hortense, Napoleon’s stepdaughter and Queen of Holland, which were also worn by Queen Marie Amélie.
A crown worn by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was found broken near the museum, decorated with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, showing the violent nature of the theft. While these treasures were stolen, officials confirmed that some of the museum’s most famous diamonds, including the Regent Diamond, were not taken.
Investigators noted that the thieves specifically targeted two glass cases, suggesting they knew exactly which pieces they wanted. The operation appeared highly organized, carried out by an experienced team that had scouted the location in advance.
Police Hunt and Louvre Museum Response
Following the robbery, the Louvre was closed for the day to allow forensic teams to examine the scene. Police are now hunting for four suspects, and investigators are reviewing security footage and tracking the thieves’ escape routes.
$5 million in crypto stolen through SIM swapping and casino laundering targeted by DOJ
President Emmanuel Macron called the theft an attack on France’s heritage, emphasizing that the stolen treasures represent the nation’s history. Louvre director Laurence des Cars, along with museum staff, worked with authorities to secure the gallery and preserve evidence.
This is not the first high-profile theft at the Louvre. The museum’s most famous robbery occurred in 1911, when the Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia. More recently, other museums across France have experienced daylight break-ins using tools such as angle grinders, targeting gold, art, and precious objects.
The robbery has raised concerns about the security of museums, even at sites with highly valuable and historic collections, and highlights the risks posed by skilled thieves in broad daylight. Authorities continue to investigate the case and are determined to recover the stolen treasures.